Gigantic waterparks, exciting kids' clubs, and spectacular evening shows are just some of the many cool attractions cruise ships have to offer family travelers. Add to this a huge gamut of onboard family-friendly restaurants from steakhouses to fusion food eateries, a range of accommodations for all budgets, and some land excursions to fascinating destinations, and the whole family is in for a treat. Here are some great ideas for your next family cruise vacation:
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE: 5-Day Caribbean/Alaska/South America/Europe Cruises
This family-friendly cruise line voted the "leading Caribbean Cruise Line" by World Travel Awards offers itineraries to destinations as varied as the Caribbean, Alaska, South America, and Europe. Families get to sail away to beautiful destinations as well as mix fun and relaxation with Norwegian's onboard offerings including unique live entertainment, youth programs featuring cool themed parties, a circus school and teen centers where teenagers get to hang out, and of course, award-winning dining options. (Find out more about Norwegian's current cruise deal offerings.)
DISNEY CRUISE LINE: 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral, FL
Treat your kids to a 7-night cruise journey around Western Caribbean that will prove memorable with a vacation on board Disney Magic, the 2,700-passenger flagship of the Disney fleet. The ship is home to Youth Clubs offering wonderful playtime for young cruisers, children's play areas, and Disney's Oceaneer Club where kids can enjoy the new MARVEL's Avengers Academy. The AquaLab, Goofy's Pool, and AquaDunk, a drop-out waterslide, are a real draw for families with kids but parents can also relax at the Quiet Cove Pool. (Find great rates on Disney cruises.)
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE: 3-Day Mexico Cruise from Los Angeles
Carnival's reputation as a provider of family-friendly cruises at great value is well established. Onboard megaship Carnival Inspiration (2,056 passengers), the 3-day Mexico cruise departing from Los Angeles on March 20, 2015 includes an excursion to Ensenada, a foodie paradise where you can sample the finest Baja cuisine. A great ship for young families, Carnival Inspiration has a lot of entertainment to offer from Camp Carnival for kids ages 2 to 11 and WaterWorks, Carnival's onboard waterpark, to evening shows at Playlist Productions. (Find out more about Carnival's current cruise deal offerings.)
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE: 5-Day Western Caribbean Cruise from Miami
Meanwhile, Carnival Glory (2,980 passengers) takes travelers in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Families with kids will enjoy the megaship's party atmosphere and spiraling Twister Waterslide during the 5-day Western Caribbean cruise departing from Miami, Florida, on March 21, 2015. (Find out more about Carnival's current cruise deal offerings.)
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE: Bermuda/Canada/Alaska/Europe Cruises
Experience the high seas and beautiful destinations aboard Holland America's cruises that take you to destinations like Bermuda and Alaska. Kid-friendly activities on board Holland America ships are varied and include scavenger hunts, mocktail mixology classes, karaoke disco parties, as well as culinary workshops for kids ages 3-15; while late-night exotic cocktails, thrilling shows, sing-alongs and casinos offer adults a chance to mix, mingle and have fun. (Find out more about Holland America's current cruise deal offerings.)
(MORE: Want to stay on land? Take advantage of Disney's Aulani WINTER SPECIAL. )
COSTA CRUISES: 7-Night Italy, France, Spain and Balearic Islands from Barcelona
For parents who want their kids to discover some enchanting destinations in the Mediterranean, Costa Cruises has a fantastic 7-night itinerary on board Costa Diadema. The journey departs from Barcelona, Spain and besides the mesmerizing Catalan city, it takes in atmospheric destinations including Palma de Mallorca, Marseille, the Provence area, La Spezia, Cinque Terre, and Florence. Family-friendly Costa Diadema features a great range of restaurants, a 500-meter promenade, a couple of pools and lidos, a spa for adults to chill out and a Laser Maze to keep the kids active and entertained. (Find out more about Costa's current cruise deal offerings.)
Sonia Esther Soltani contributed this to MiniTime.